Cytokines and cytokine receptors involved in type I immunity in tuberculosis. Cytokines and cytokine receptors involved in type I immunity in tuberculosis. A major effector mechanism of cell-mediated immunity in tuberculosis is the activation of M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages by IFN-γ. IFN-γ is produced by NK cells and different T-cell subsets, and its production is regulated by TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-18, and possibly IL-15, all released from activated macrophages and dendritic cells. Ag, antigen. Reinout van Crevel et al. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 2002; doi:10.1128/CMR.15.2.294-309.2002